MIDWEEK MINUTES May 10, 2104

Midweek Minutes

May 10, 2014

Hello, Winners!

Happy Mother's Day to all, and Happy Graduations to all those involved in those special events this weekend.  My friend Carolyn has some special words for the Moms out there, and her words are better than mine.

 

“Whether you're a mother or grandmother or not, Mother's Day is a special time for women -- because by nature we're nurturers, whether it's our own child (or plant or pet!) or someone else's.  Sometimes we're so busy nurturing others that we're just too pooped (emotionally and physically) to get to the beautiful inside places Pearl S. Buck is talking about. “Inside myself is a place where I live all alone and that's where you renew your springs that never dry up.”  You know what I mean?  Getting there doesn't happen without some conscious effort and a little planning.

A child grows day by day -- seemingly without much too show for a 24 hour period -- and then we are surprised to see how much has happened when we step back and see the progress that has been made when viewed over a longer period of time.

It's EXACTLY the same with weight management, whether it's those pounds that are creeping up or slowly dropping.  OH, don't we know! 

Which is why, in the dearest possible way, its valuable to consider your healthy choices as a very important, very mature form of mothering.  Only YOU can be the loving mother for your health.  Is there any more demanding (and sometimes ornery) child than the one inside of us that wants what it wants to eat, regardless of whether it's a wise choice or not? I don't think so! (... a firm voice saying "Put that cookie back RIGHT NOW!" ... comes to mind quite easily!)

With that thought in mind, here's a poem for today -- in the form of a song.  Hope you remember the tune to the Mother's Day Classic "M is for The Million Things She Gave me."  If not, it works very nicely as an acronym.

M - is for MYSELF worth taking care of
O - means I'm the ONE to lose this weight
T - is for the TIME I make to do this
H - is for HEALTH foods on my plate
E - means EX-ER-CISE that I enjoy now
R - is RIGHT and right this is for me

Put it all together it spells MOTHER a word that
I can do for me!

We hope to see you all in the meeting room next week.

Hastings Saturday Morning Members, remember, we’re now going to have our meeting at 8 A.M. (weigh-in starts at 7:30). 

Superior Members:  You will want to BE SURE to attend Monday’s meeting.  We’re having a SPECIAL guest from the local IDEAL market!

Enjoy your day!  --Zig

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Member Milestones

Superior: –27 lbs.

Hastings: –21.8 lbs.

5 lb. star

Judy E. ( S )

Lauretta W. ( H )

10 lb. star

Wanda H. ( S )

Terri O. ( S )

Carol H. ( S )

15 lb. star

Dena A. ( S )

25 lb. star

Cindy M ( S )

BIGGEST LOSER

Lori S. ( S )

Sam E. ( H )

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Replay Your Day

Taking just 5 minutes to review how it went (good and not so) – can help you keep your Plan on track.

Article By: Weight Watchers

Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned member, taking stock of your day can help you identify which actions helped, and which hindered, your weight loss. If a daily review feels like, ugh, another thing I have to do, take heart. Just a few minutes is all you need. Think of it as “me” time, something you're doing for yourself, rather than a duty to work, family, or community.

Awareness leads to action. Here’s what those five minutes can help you do: make mid-course corrections, be more prepared for challenges, use slip-ups as a tool for learning (not for beating yourself up), and most important, how to set yourself up for the next day. Simply ask yourself what worked, what could have gone better, and what tweaks you can make to help you move forward.

Here's how to make your 5-minute checkup a reality:

Set a regular time and place for your checkupIt could be during your train ride home from work or just before you go to bed. Where or when isn't important. What matters is consistency and focus. If you link your 5-minute checkup to something you do regularly — like brushing your teeth — it can become a habit more easily.

Mentally walk through your day
Consider any and all aspects of your Plan. Some days you may focus on the what, when and why aspects of your food choices. Or on how active you were during the day. Were there missed opportunities to move a little more? Did you track everything today? Did you face any food or emotional triggers? How did you respond? Did you connect with someone who supports your goals?

Plan your focus for the next 24 hours
Write down 1-3 areas you'd like to build on or improve in how you follow the Plan. Then include one small, simple action you can do to help get you there. Remember, it's about progress — not perfection.

More ways to check in and keep you connected to your goals.

  

                                              

                  

Print out this Daily Tally for yourself to reflect on your day.  I have attached it to this email. It can also be found on etools.

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On Mother’s Day, Give Mom a Break!

Monday, May 05, 2014

 My mother is the most caring woman I know, but here’s the thing, she’s loves to be in control! 
Though I don’t live with my parents anymore, when I visit and offer to cook, my mom doesn’t
 allow it since she likes to make my favorite dishes. She’ll go shopping to buy me new clothes 
since I’m losing weight—46 pounds down, and counting!—but she’ll never treat herself to a 
massage or even a pedicure. She’ll say she wants to lose a few pounds herself (her
 words, “My hips are too big!”), but she is always too busy caring for everyone else to focus 
on her own goals. So here’s what I decided I’m going to do on Mother’s Day this year:
I am going to take control!

I’m no cooking pro, but these Mother’s Day recipes will be perfect for this Sunday. 
Plus, my mom always likes to save money, so instead of taking her for a fancy facial, 
I’ll create an at-home spa of our own. Since we tend to go out to brunch after church 
a few times a month, I will share this Brunch Buffet Cheat Sheet with her—you’re welcome, 
 Mom—so she will always be in the know. One more thing: My mom is always
 spewing wisdom (and she’s becoming much sassier with age), 
so I’ll be sure to share the advice of these moms’ with her, too—I know she’ll get a kick out of it!

My mother has always taken care of my three brothers and I, and I can’t wait to return the favor. 
Though I know you shouldn’t save all the love for one day of the year, I’m going to 
make sure that Sunday is extra special.

What are your plans for Mother’s Day? Are you being pampered, 
or will you be doing the pampering?              Katerina Gkionis, Assistant Editor, Weight Watchers Content

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Product Sales

Oatmeal and Heat & Eat Cups–formerly $5.95, now $4.95 thru 5/24

Discounted Products

Strawberry Delight Oatmeal (SKU 50033) – formerly $5.95, now $4.95

Kettle Corn Popcorn Crisps (SKU 11466) – formerly $4.95, now $3.50

Hazelnut Latte Smoothie (SKU 21035)– formerly $7.50, now $4.95

Lemon Chicken & Couscous (SKU 50034)– formerly $5.95, now $3.95

Cheesy Scrambled Eggs (SKU 50037)– formerly $5.95, now $3.95

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Join For Free: From 4/20-6/7, new and returning members save the $20 Registration Fee.

YOUR BEST OPTION IS STILL THE MONTHLY PASS.

(***IN HASTINGS ONLY – if you have NOT been to a meeting since APRIL, come next week and mention this communication next week to receive a FREE cookbook!  
REMEMBER THE TIME CHANGE to 8 A. M. ***)

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Only 6 1/2 more school days with kids!!! (but who’s counting?) 

Woo-Hoo!  Here are some frozen treats to enjoy on my upcoming “lazy” summer days!

    

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Countdown to Summer Challenge: Week 2

Ready... set... swimsuit! Take part in our four-week challenge and face summer in confidence and style.

Article By: Amanda Genge

Maybe you’re doing great on Plan and are looking forward to showing off a trimmed-down figure. Or maybe your motivation has been waning lately, and the thought of baring it all on the beach makes you want to take a 3-month vacation to Antarctica. Either way, the Countdown to Summer Challenge is for you.

A month isn’t necessarily enough time to work miracles on the scale, but you can still make the most of the next few weeks to hone healthier habits and refresh your weight-loss mindset.

Each week we’ll share a few simple tricks that can help you get back on track or stay motivated. Focus on just one or two at a time, and declare your commitment on the Countdown to Summer Community Challenge. By the time summer rolls around, you’ll be embracing healthy changes with renewed energy — and a sunnier outlook.

Week 2: Get Connected

• Consider going to a meeting.
• Learn more about our site tools. Our Recipe Builder can help you renovate a favorite dish, and our Restaurant Finder show you how to make smarter choices while eating out.
• Start a blog in the Weight Watchers Community. Use it to vent frustrations, document successes and get feedback from others.
• Pair up with a like-minded weight-loss or fitness buddy in real life or online. The accountability and encouragement can help keep you on track.

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AT YOUR NEXT MEETING

Wouldn’t it be great of there was a no-brainer way to figure out what

and how much to eat each day?  Oh, wait!  There is!  We’re talking

about it this week!

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Member Recipes

Breakfast Apple Crisp
Servings: 8
Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
Weight Watchers® PointsPlus®: 4 *

• 4 medium apples, chopped
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 tbsp. whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. butter, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray an 8X8 cooking dish with cooking spray. Add the chopped apples and toss with 2 tbsp. brown sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon.
3. Using our hands, combine the oats, flour, almonds, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and butter to create the crumb topping. Spread evenly over the apples.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes.    www.slenderkitchen.com

Broccoli Bacon Salad

1 clove(s) garlic, minced

1/4 cup(s) low-fat mayonnaise

1/4 cup(s) reduced-fat sour cream

2 teaspoon(s) cider vinegar

1 teaspoon(s) sugar

4 cup(s) finely chopped broccoli crowns (see Tips & Techniques)

1 can(s) (8-ounce) sliced water chestnuts, rinsed and chopped

3 slice(s) cooked bacon, crumbled

3 tablespoon(s) dried cranberries

Freshly ground pepper to taste

Whisk garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and sugar in a large bowl.

Add broccoli, water chestnuts, bacon, cranberries, and pepper; stir to coat with the dressing.

Serves 6 @ 2P+

Oh Boy It’s Taco Night !

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef

1 cup diced onions

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 package (1 ounce) Lawry’s Taco Seasoning

⅔ cup water

1 box (12 shells) taco shells, we used Mission white corn taco shells

Topping

2 cups or more chopped or shredded romaine lettuce, as desired

1 1/2 cups or more chopped tomatoes, as desired

3/4 cup (3oz) reduced-fat cheddar cheese or lite Mexican blend

1. In a large pan or skillet, add the beef, onions, and garlic. Sauté together until the meat is browned. Bring

to sink, pour in a colander and drain off any excess fat. Add beef mixture back to the pan.

2. Add taco seasoning, water and mix well. Bring to a boil, turn heat to simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

2. To make one taco-add about 1/4 cup taco meat to the shell. Fill with as much lettuce and tomato you

desire and top with 1 tablespoon cheese,

Makes 12 tacos

Serves 6 (2 tacos each)

Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 3

Summer Vegetable Crepes Recipe

4 9-inch “ready-to-use” crêpes

2 cups chopped cumber

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

1 cup green beans, chopped

1/2 cup fresh jicama, cut into thin strips

1/2 cup fresh corn kernels

1/2 cup chopped fresh chives

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Zest from 1 lime

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream

3 tsp lime juice

1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

Stir sour cream, 1/4 cup chives, lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper in a small bowl until combined, and set aside.

Combine cucumber, green beans, jicama, corn, and onion. Stir in ricotta, lime zest, the remaining 1/4 cup chives, cilantro, garlic, and the salt and pepper.

To roll crêpes, place one on a piece of parchment or wax paper (or leave it on the piece of plastic separating the crêpes in the package). Spoon one-fourth of the vegetable-cheese mixture (about 3/4 cup) down the center of the crêpe. Use the paper (or plastic) to help you gently roll the crêpe around the filling. Place the crêpe seam-side down on serving plate. Repeat with the remaining crêpes and filling.

Serve each crêpe topped with 2 tablespoons of the reserved sauce and more chives, if desired.

Entire recipe makes 4 servings
Serving size is 1 crepe and 2 tbsp of cream sauce
Each serving = PointsPlus® Value: 4

Cake with diet soda (Everybody’s FAVORITE!)

PointsPlus® Value: 3 Servings: 24

Use any prepackaged cake mix flavor with any diet soda! The variations and possibilities are endless!

	1 package(s) regular white cake dry mix
	1 serving(s) diet soda (any flavor)

Mix cake mix with 12 oz of diet soda! Stir until cake is completely mixed in, some lumps will remain.
Bake cake or cupcakes to box instructions (using the least amount of time recommended).
Some recommendations for flavor combinations:
diet root beer + spice cake = my favorite
diet 7up/sprite + any flavor cake
diet cherry coke/pepsi + devils food or chocolate cake
diet cherry 7up + white cake
diet orange soda + white or chocolate cake

for toppings/frosting (points plus not included) I recommend using some powdered sugar with the same

flavor of soda for a "light" glaze or using a small amount of store bought frosting, but don't forget to count the points plus for it!

Lemon Bars

1 1/3 Cups all-purpose flour

5 Tbso packed light brown sugar

8 Tbsp regular butter, cold, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

4 large eggs

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 Cups powdered sugar, divided

3/4 Cup fresh lemon juice

2 tsp lemon zest

Preheat oven to 350°F.

To make crust, mix flour and light brown sugar using a food processor until fully incorporated.

Toss butter into flour mixture and pulse to combine using short bursts of power until butter is cut into tiny pea-sized pieces and dough appears lumpy.

Sprinkle crust mixture onto an ungreased 13 X 9 X 2-inch baking pan as evenly as possible; press down with a spatula to create a packed surface.

Place crust in middle of oven and bake until golden, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, to make lemon topping, beat eggs in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until well blended.

Add vanilla extract and 3/4 cup of powdered sugar; mix well.

Add lemon juice and remaining powdered sugar; mix until powdered sugar is completely dissolved and then add zest.

As soon as crust is finished, remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 300°F.

Immediately pour lemon mixture over hot crust. Bake completely, about 30 minutes; cool, and cut into 24 bars. Yields 1 bar per serving @ 3 P+

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